How is Bipolar Disorder Detected?

Early detection of bipolar disorder is especially important because the onset of the illness often results in suicidal behavior and other behaviors that put the sufferer at a significant risk of harm. The problem is particularly acute when the disorder manifests itself in adolescents who are less likely to seek help and are vulnerable to harmful behaviors.

Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is very often misdiagnosed or ignored, and the time between the first occurrence of the disorder and a proper diagnosis may span years. The longer a sufferer lives with the illness without being diagnosed, the greater the chance that they will come to harm. Very often, the disorder is misdiagnosed as major depression, and it is treated with antidepressants alone, a course of treatment that may actually be harmful to the sufferer.

Successful early detection of bipolar disorder depends on differentiating signs of the disorder from other mental and physical disorders with similar symptoms. Researchers have attempted to find a pattern of symptoms that suggests that the disorder might manifest in the future, but thus far, a definitive pattern has been difficult to identify.

Lacking a way to spot a patient’s likelihood of developing the disorder, providers are encouraged to watch for symptoms such as mood swings, mania, depression or psychotic episodes that coincide with other risk factors such as stress, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, family history of the disorder, or drug and alcohol abuse.

*The medical information we gather and publish is vetted and intended to be up to date, accurate and express a spectrum of recognized scientific and medical points of view. The information comes from a nucleus of informed scientists, medical doctors, peer-reviewed scientific journals and the National Institute of Health. Please note, differing points of view among scientists and physicians are common. Every effort is employed to ensure the accuracy of these different points of view. That notwithstanding, it is incumbent on persons using this information to consult with his/her physician before reaching any conclusions. Our medical information and publications are not intended to be a substitute for consultation with one’s physician.

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